Ghani Apologizes to Women for Using “Head Scarf” to Degrade Political Opponents

President Ashraf Ghani has offered apology to women for using “head Scarf” to degrade some political opponents of the National Unity Government (NUG) due to claims made to the address of its high ranking officials.

The president yesterday while addressing a conference held for transferring responsibilities of Afghan Border Police to the Ministry of Defense pointed out to the NUG’s critics: “We respect the freedom of speech, but in a responsible manner. Whoever claims that a high ranking official or a med-ranking official of the country cooperate with the Islamic State or Daesh, he must go to the courts and prove his claim, otherwise he should wear head scarf and stay at home”.

However, the presidential palace known as Arg, issuing a statement, today, December 03, said that some people are trying to blur the public opinion by deliberately misinterpreting the president remarks.

“Pointing out to the ‘head scarf’ was based on the local usage of the word and was/is not for humiliating the dignity of the country’s women at all. Although, the president apologizes to women who are affected by the interpretations,” the statement reads.

Some high ranking officials of Afghan government including, Hanif Atmar, the National Security Adviser and Fazel Hadi Muslimyar, the Upper House Speaker, are accused of confidentially cooperating with the Islamic State, locally known as Daesh in the country.

The president remarks and degrading political opponents by recommending them to wear ‘head scarf’ and staying at home have triggered many criticism among the women rights and human rights activists.